Delanie Walker, nursing broken jaw, speaks

(01-06) 21:49 PST — Niners tight end Delanie Walker is speaking again, but the words out of his mouth Friday don’t suggest his return to the field is imminent.

Speaking publicly for the first time since he suffered a broken jaw Dec. 24, the typically ebullient Walker was reserved as he spoke about his injury. Walker’s jaw was broken in two places – near his left ear and his lower left chin.

“It’s emotional,” Walker said. “First time in the playoffs and I get hurt. Not being able to play, that kind of hurts. But our team is doing well, and I’m recovering the way I want to recover, so who knows.”

Walker has been cleared to do light conditioning and has graduated from a liquid diet to eating pasta and bananas. On Wednesday, he had the rubber bands released that were keeping his jaw wired shut, but his wires were not removed in the event he needs to have his jaw restabilized.

The 49ers have yet to place Walker on the season-ending, injured-reserve list, but they did reportedly bring in former Chiefs tight end Cody Slate for a workout this week. They could also promote rookie practice-squad tight end Konrad Reuland (Stanford) to take Walker’s roster spot.

Reserve tight end Justin Peelle, known primarily for his blocking ability, played a season-high 41 snaps with Walker sidelined in last week’s win at St. Louis.

“I don’t want to say if I can come back or not,” Walker said. “I’m just going to go work out and support my team. That’s about it.”

Injury updates: Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (hamstring) worked out on a side field and did not practice. McDonald indicated his injury wasn’t serious after Sunday’s game.

Defensive tackle Justin Smith and cornerbacks Carlos Rogers and Chris Culliver did not practice, but are expected to play in the 49ers’ divisional playoff game at Candlestick Park on Jan. 14. Wide receivers Ted Ginn Jr. (ankle) and Kyle Williams (concussion) practiced Thursday and Friday after missing last week’s game.

San Francisco’s players will be off today and Sunday before returning Monday.